The 9 best swimsuits and bikinis for wild swimming and active holidays

How to choose the best swimsuit

First up, decide how much coverage you’d like and what kind of swimming or water sports you want to use your new swimwear for. For wild or cold water swimming, look for something that fits well, is flexible and offers some warmth. It should also be easy to get off post-swim when you’re changing outdoors with chilly hands.

If you’re planning on surfing, paddleboarding or diving, a high-neck swimming costume or bikini top will stay put as you move, and high-cut legs will give you room to kick through the water. Pick a suit with decent coverage for a bit more sun protection, and avoid suits with random cutouts if you don’t want a diamond-shaped sunburn.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly materials, consider Finisterre and Zone3, which both use Yulex, a plant-based rubber material which is a more environmentally friendly alternative to neoprene. I also rate M&S’s affordable Good Move range and Hunza G, whose one-size-fits-all crinkle suits will fit most body shapes and are good for pregnancy.

How I test swimsuits

I tried out each of these swimsuits and bikini sets during swimming sessions at my local lido in the Cotswolds and in the Cornish sea. I also took them all on holiday to the French Alps for dips in glacial rivers (my baggage allowance was not happy).

When in the water, I tested each suit for limited drag and an unimpeded range of movement. I looked for decent stay-put coverage even when I was moving, a lack of tight straps or digging in, and rated each style for comfort even when worn all day – you should barely notice you’re wearing the best swimsuits.

I made sure that every suit and bikini preserved my modesty during water sports, as nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction mid-beach day. I swam regularly in each model across three weeks. Where possible, I checked they washed well, were chlorine resistant, quick drying and easy to look after.

You can visit our Who We Are page to learn more about our testing process.